Jysk founder passes mantle to son

After managing Scandinavian chain Jysk and the Lars Larsen Group for more than 40 years, founder Lars Larsen has decided to step back, effective immediately. The new chairman of the board will be Lars' son, Jacob Brunsborg.

Lars says: “I am very happy and proud that Jacob has agreed to take on the position as chairman, which will ensure that Jysk and Lars Larsen Group will continue as a family-owned company based on strong values. Jacob has been part of the company for many years and has played a central role in the board of many of the companies within Lars Larsen Group. He is without doubt the right person to lead the company I started.”

Lars Larsen acknowledges that the change of chairman is happening earlier than planned, which is caused by illness, as Lars Larsen very recently was diagnosed with liver cancer, which has spread. “Unfortunately it is a very serious diagnosis, and therefore I have decided to spend my time and efforts on my family," says Lars. "However, it means a lot to me that the future leadership of the company is in place."

Jacob first and foremost expresses his grief regarding the circumstances of his new role as chairman, but he is also looking forward to working with the company. “My father has built something unique, and it is impossible to replace him," he says. "But both I and the rest of our family will do our best to develop his impressive life's work.”

The first Jysk store opened in Denmark in 1979, and today there are over 2700 stores in 52 countries.